The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter: Versatility, class-leading efficiency, safety and comfort
- Best-in-class
cargo capacity, payload and interior height
- Low emissions
and segment-leading fuel consumption offered by the BlueTEC cleanest diesel
engine
- Extensive
standard and optional equipment to suit individual,
commercial and recreational
needs
- Innovative
suspension, standard ADAPTIVE ESP and car-like
comfort
- Maximum return
on investment through longest maintenance intervals
and best-in-class fuel
efficiency
TORONTO, ON - In advance of its Canadian Premiere at the Montreal
International Auto Show, Mercedes-Benz Canada is proud to officially welcome
the addition of
Sprinter to the Mercedes-Benz group of brands which include Mercedes-Benz,
AMG, smart and
Maybach.
With over one million units sold worldwide,
the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is a leader in the light-duty van segment,
and this versatile vehicle continues to set the benchmark in technology, safety, fuel efficiency and
performance around the globe.
As of January 1, 2010, this remarkable
vehicle officially joined the Mercedes-Benz Canada group and is now on sale at Mercedes-Benz
dealers from coast-to-coast.
Extensive range of configurations for maximum
versatility
The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter offers a full and
varied model range for virtually all applications, far surpassing the more
limited range offered by the competitors in its class.
Three basic vehicles are available for sale
in Canada: the cargo van, the passenger
van and the cab chassis. The three body lengths, two heights and three basic
gross vehicle weight ratings add up to fifteen basic models of Sprinter vans to
meet the unique requirements of a diverse range of customers who need a vehicle
that will work as hard as they do.
The Sprinter cargo van offers two wheelbase versions in 144 and 170 inches (3.7
and 4.3 m), and it is available in three lengths: standard, long and extra long,
which are 232.5, 273.2 and 289.2 inches respectively (5.9 6.9 and 7.3
m).
The cargo van is also available with two
different roof heights. The load compartment height is 65 inches (1.65 m) for a
Sprinter with the standard roof, and 76.4 inches (1.94 m) for the high-roof
version. Load space for the closed-body models range from 318 to 547 cu. ft.
(9.0 to 15.5 m³).
The new Sprinter cargo van can cater to the
specific needs of any commercial or recreational owner by offering vehicles in
the following three weight ratings: 8,550, 9,990 and 11,030 lbs (3.88, 4.53 and
5.0 t). The 3500 series cargo vans can be ordered in both 9,990 and 11,030 lbs
(4.53 to 5.0t) weight ratings.
In addition, the Sprinter is available with
side windows and rear seats (optional with the crew van package or individually optioned), creating a cargo van with all
the advantages of a minibus that would make an ideal solution for any
application where you need to carry a team of people plus large amounts of
materials and equipment.
This version offers seating for up to six
people - without compromising the Sprinter's typical interior flexibility. The
optional rear seat bench is designed for quick and easy installation and
removal.
The Sprinter passenger wagon provides a robust solution to safely and comfortably
transport up to 12 passengers. With two wheelbases, two body lengths and 2 cargo
heights available, the passenger wagon offers numerous, custom-designed seating
configurations for the spacious interior by offering the flexibility of a
three-or four seat bench for the three rows of seats. In addition, an auxiliary
heater and available rear air conditioning also guarantee a comfortable, climate
controlled journey for every passenger.
Cab chassis versions are also offered in the same two wheelbase
versions as the closed-body vehicle. This configuration provides unrivalled
flexibility to accommodate special-purpose bodies. For example, the chassis
version can be offered without a rear bulkhead, without doors or as a "cowl
version" without cab.
The wide-range of versions are designed with
the utmost precision in the coordination of features. On all models, differences
in the wheelbase are accompanied by appropriately matched overhang dimensions.
This not only results in satisfying proportions, but also offers significant
benefits for handling and balanced weight distribution.
From the cargo van to the passenger wagon or
the cab chassis, the Sprinter offers a custom-designed solution for almost any transport task
thanks to its unmatched model diversity, outstanding spaciousness and extremely
robust yet streamlined design that allows an impressive a drag coefficient value
of just Cd= .32.
Sliding door with best-in-class loading
width
Side sliding doors and rear doors have been
developed for the many different versions of the closed-body Sprinter cargo van.
The maximum loading width is bestin- class in all cases with an impressive
sliding door load width of 51.2 inches (1.3 m).
The Sprinter features a standard right-side
sliding door, and to maximize flexibility, an optional left-side sliding door is
also available. On high-roof versions, sliding doors with a loading height of
71.7 inches (1.82 m) are fitted.
Analogous to the sliding doors, the rear
doors are available in two versions: one for vehicles with the standard roof
featuring a loading height of 60.6 inches (1.54 m), and one for the high-roof
versions with a loading height of 72.4 inches (1.84 m). In addition to the
best-in-class door aperture dimensions, the Sprinter also offers best-in-class
loading width between the wheel arches with a figure of 53.1 inches
(1.35 m) on all 2500 series
vans.
Advanced and powerful BlueTEC cleanest diesel
engine
The advanced cleanest diesel BlueTEC
technology has been highly successful in Mercedes-Benz passenger cars, and now this
technology is also standard for the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter. This trailblazing
BlueTEC technology optimizes fuel consumption and combines measures designed to
reduce emissions with a downstream after-treatment process known as SCR
(Selective Catalytic Reduction) which filters exhaust gases and sends them
through a catalytic converter where they are mixed with a water-based, odorless
urea solution known as Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF). In this process, pollutant
nitrogen oxides are converted into harmless nitrogen and water. The result is a
substantial reduction in pollutants and soot particles, class leading fuel
consumption, and one of the world's cleanest diesel engines that already
complies with the strict emission limits of the EPA 10
standard.
Exceptional power and
performance
The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter's three-litre,
BlueTEC V6 turbo diesel engine provides exceptional power and performance under
all operating conditions. With a maximum output of 188 hp and 325 lb-ft of
torque at 1,400-2,400 rpm, this advanced power plant sets new performance
standards for diesel-powered vans. In addition, this engine also offers
remarkably low noise levels and exceptionally good drivability in all
situations. With its 30-degree crankpin offset and a balancer shaft between the
cylinder banks, this six-cylinder direct-injection engine offers unsurpassed
smoothness in its class. Technical highlights include: aluminum four-valve
cylinder heads, twin overhead hollow-cast camshafts per cylinder bank with
duplex timing chain drive, intercooled turbo charging, third-generation
common-rail injection technology with a system pressure of 1600 bar, and
ultra-precise eight-hole piezoelectric injectors. An aluminum crankcase
completes this impressive package.
Advanced automatic transmission offers
maximum smoothness
The Sprinter is equipped with a five-speed
automatic transmission that offers maximum smoothness, well-spaced ratios,
best-in-class long service life and excellent fuel economy. The improved fuel
economy can be attributed to a torque converter lockup clutch which engages in
all forward gears. The automatic transmission's electronic control unit
continually processes signals relating to torque, engine speed, accelerator
pedal position, wheel speed and traction, and it then communicates with the
other control units to adapt all shift operations to both the driving situation
and the comfort requirements. If desired, the driver can also control the shift
range manually by moving the selector lever to the right or left (plus/minus).
This is particularly helpful on downhill gradients, where drivers can take
advantage of engine braking.
Generous standard features and
options
The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter sets the standard
in its class with luxurious appointments, acclaimed build quality and driving
comfort and interior sound levels comparable to a passenger car. The extensive
list of standard equipment includes: power windows, radio remote control central
locking, Radio CD sound 5 audio system, driver's airbag, automatic transmission,
wide-angle mirrors and ADAPTIVE ESP®. A wireless front and rear tire pressure
monitoring system also comes standard on both the cargo van and passenger wagon
models.
The steering wheel offers standard fit height
and tilt-adjustments, and the driver
and passenger seats have been anatomically contoured to provide excellent
support. For added comfort, headed seats can be specified as an option, and with
an infinitely variable height adjustment, the driver is sure to find a
comfortable seating position.
In addition, customers can also select an
available twin passenger seat for extra seating capacity in the front, and there
is also an available flip-up passenger seat that was specifically designed to
suit the requirements of the courier and parcel delivery
sector.
Overall, the extended longitudinal seat
adjustment and generous head room combine to provide more room in all directions,
creating a sense of spaciousness inside the cabin.
Outstanding
ergonomics
Inside the cockpit, the centre console
includes three DIN slots, a cup holder and a switch strip. The instrument
cluster features clearly legible speedometer and rev counter dials, and if the
multifunction steering wheel is specified as an option, a wide range of
additional information can be shown in the large displays of the detailed
instrument cluster.
The clever interior storage concept also
enhances passenger convenience. There are door compartments for large beverages,
extra storage compartments above the windscreen for both the driver and front
passenger, and a spacious storage area on the instrument panel that is divided
into three segments. In addition, every Sprinter is equipped with a standard air
conditioning system.
The optional PARKTRONIC system also assists
cargo van and passenger wagon drivers when parking. The system is active under
speeds of 18 km/h, scanning the areas in front and behind to provide a graduated
visual and audible warning when the vehicle approaches an obstacle. The double
warning display for the area in front of the vehicle is located in the centre of
the cockpit, and two separate displays for the area behind the vehicle are
integrated in the exterior mirrors. The optional reversing camera with a 7"
monitor provides assistance for safe reversing and maneuvering in tight
spaces.
First-class lighting and
visibility
The standard-specification halogen headlamps
offer enhanced performance and excellent light output, and the integrated
sidelights are a new and important safety feature. The optional bi-xenon
headlamps with cornering light function represent a new, segment-leading
dimension in lighting technology.
An optional rain and light sensor
continuously adjusts the wiper intervals to adapt to the intensity of the
precipitation on the heated windshield. The sensing system also automatically
switches the headlamps on and off, and monitors both the overall ambient light
level and the ambient light in front of the vehicle when deciding the required
lighting.
The exterior mirrors, with integrated
wide-angle auxiliary mirrors on both the left and right sides, provide excellent
rearward visibility and improved safety. Highlyvisibility side indicator
repeaters are also integrated in the mirror casings. The closed-body versions of
the Sprinter cargo van that feature a rear windscreen are available with rear
windscreen heating (standard on the passenger van) and a rear
wiper.
Innovative suspension and standard ADAPTIVE
ESP
The rear-wheel-drive chassis is engineered to
cope with high engine power and large payload variations while offering neutral
steering and excellent handling. Transverse leaf springs made of
fibreglass-reinforced plastic are used at the front, and in the rear parabolic
springs are used.
All Sprinter models come equipped with a
new-generation Electronic Stability Program (ESP) known as ADAPTIVE ESP. This
advanced system has been fully integrated with the anti-lock braking system
(ABS), acceleration skid control (ASR), electronic brake force distribution
(EBD), hydraulic Brake Assist (BAS) and ESP Trailer Stability Assist. In
addition, an integrated Start-off Assist system prevents the vehicle from
rolling downhill when the driver switches from the brake pedal to the
accelerator on a hill start.
The sophisticated ADAPTIVE ESP system
includes a self-learning algorithm which calculates vehicle mass and centre of
gravity based on parameters such as acceleration, speed, accelerator pedal
position and brake pressure. This allows the system to react more precisely to
critical driving situations, and provides more precisely controlled braking and
acceleration on surfaces where the friction is different on different sides of
the vehicle.
The extended functionality of the new
ADAPTIVE ESP also includes Roll Over Mitigation (ROM), Roll Movement
Intervention (RMI) and Understeering Control (USC). ROM detects critical lateral
acceleration when cornering and reacts by reducing engine torque and by
increasing braking pressure at the relevant wheels.
The system is activated in risk situations
such as cornering at excessive speeds on highway exit ramps. RMI enhances the
effectiveness of ADAPTIVE ESP by means of engine and braking intervention in
certain dynamic situations such as sudden evasive maneuvers. USC provides
enhanced stability under heavy under steer, ensuring that the front pushes less
wide on corners or when driving quickly through tight
bends.
Sprinters are equipped with 16-inch wheels as
standard equipment, which allows larger-diameter brake discs to be fitted. The
brakes are ventilated at the front and solid at the rear on models up to 8,550
lbs (3.88 t) permissible gross vehicle weight, while the 9,990 and 11,030 lbs
(4.53 and 5.0 t) models will feature ventilated disc brakes both front and rear.
Dual-piston front brake calipers are used on all models.
The Sprinter has a towing capacity of 5,000
lbs (2,268 t.), and the ESP Trailer Stability Assist system greatly enhances
safety when towing a trailer. If the trailer starts to sway, the system
automatically counteracts these movements by selectively braking the wheels and
reducing engine torque to help the driver stabilize both the vehicle and the
trailer. If the system intervenes several times in succession, the braking
action becomes increasingly stronger, resulting in a significant reduction in
the vehicle speed.
Particular attention given to passive safety
and load restraint
The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter offers the
exceptional levels of passive safety expected of any Mercedes-Benz product. The
sturdy, high-strength passenger safety cell and stiff body structure preserve
the occupants survival space in the event of accident, while the coordinated
deformation zones help absorb the forces in a front-end
impact.
To enhance the already outstanding levels of
safety, each seat is equipped with a three-point seat belt, height-adjustable
head restraints and belt force limiter. The driver and front passenger seats are
also fitted with belt tensioners. Front airbags are standard for the driver and
co-driver; thorax and window airbags are also available as
options.
In the unlikely event of an accident,
controlled energy absorption is provided by the side members and the power
train. Intelligent repair systems like the bolted-on frontend module, "repair
shoes" that allow sectional replacement of the side members, and divided
sidewall paneling all help to reduce the cost of repairing damage caused by an
accident.
Large rub panels on the sides also prevent
minor bumps and grazes from causing expensive damage. Load restraints received
close attention with sturdy load-securing rings and a steel bulkhead offered as
standard equipment on the cargo van. A wooden load compartment floor, lashing
rails in the wooden floor and further waistline and roof-level lashing rails are
also available. Near vertical inner walls, leveled-off wheel arches, and the
high payload allow the available cargo space to be used
fully.
Rotation dipping provides meticulous
corrosion protection
Mercedes-Benz builds the Sprinter at its
German factories in Düsseldorf (cargo and passenger vans) and Ludwigsfelde (Cab
chassis). At both plants, build quality and long service life are a top
priority. Many components of the frame and body are laser welded, Laser-brazed
or bonded. In addition, a considerably greater proportion of sheet metal
components are galvanized, and undersealing and the application of a stone chip
primer in vulnerable areas all combine to ensure a long
life.
The new RoDip or rotation dipping process at
the Ludwigsfelde plant also helps to ensure maximum corrosion protection. In
each pre-treatment bath, including the
cataphoretic dip bath, the bodies are rotated
a full 360°about their transverse axis to ensure a uniform all-over coating for
sheet metal parts and cavities. This meticulous procedure allows Mercedes-Benz
to offer a 3 year, 60,000 km rust warranty and an impressive 5 year, 160,000 km
perforation warranty.
Best-in-Class
The Sprinter models are recognized to be
class-leading in several categories. Namely, best cargo capacity, fuel
efficiency, interior compartment accessibility (side and rear door opening
areas), and maintenance intervals.
They also have the best standard full-height
rear cargo doors that open 270° and front doors that open up almost 70°, best
payload (up to 5,375 lbs or 2,360 kg), best interior standing height of any
full-size van and best turning diameter (54.6 ft and power-assisted rack and
pinion steering).
The three Sprinter variants boast a plethora
of features that make them truly unique in their respective segments. From its
powerful and fuel-efficient V6 BlueTEC engine to a high level of transport
functionality, from an optimum range of products for efficient load-securing to
long maintenance intervals, the Sprinter aims to serve a broad cross-section of
customers. In addition, overall product quality, exemplary active/passive
safety, low maintenance costs, optimal loading capabilities and appealing
vehicle design further differentiate the Sprinter from its
competitors.
Competitive Pricing
Starting from $41,900 for the cab chassis,
$42,900 for the cargo van, and $47,900 for the passenger van, Mercedes-Benz
Sprinter models are aggressively positioned in their respective segment. This
offers customers an incredible value proposition, especially considering the
Sprinter's class-leading position and generous standard equipment levels. In
addition, special discounts are available for fleet customers, and a broad range
of leasing and financing options are available through Mercedes-Benz
Financial.
"We are extremely pleased to welcome the
Sprinter brand back to the Mercedes-Benz group. The technologically advanced
Sprinter vehicles enhance our already strong product range in
Canada," said Marcus Breitschwerdt,
President and CEO of
Mercedes-Benz Canada. "With a myriad of best-in-class features, the
Mercedes-Benz Sprinters are the indisputable benchmark in
their segment; particularly in the areas of safety, fuel efficiency and
innovation. These versatile light-duty vehicles offer limitless opportunities
for customers to specify vehicles that meet their exact requirements. As premium
offerings in their class, they are designed and built to the same exacting
standards as every other vehicle that displays the three pointed
star."
He added: "Our overall Sprinter
infrastructure is ready for business. We have already successfully integrated
Sprinter into our strategically and conveniently located dealer network across
Canada. It is exciting to see how our
dealers and employees have so enthusiastically embraced the inclusion of
Sprinter in their day-to-day activities. We all very much look forward to
working with existing and new Sprinter customers.
Since the conversion component of the van
business is significant, we look forward to developing new relationships with
body builders as well."
He concluded: "We remain committed to
providing our valued customers with a wide range of highly competitive vehicles
that offer exceptional quality and guarantee an ownership experience that is
unmatched in the industry. We are delighted to now include the Sprinter vans to
this mandate."
About Mercedes-Benz Canada
Mercedes-Benz Canada is responsible for the
sales, marketing and service of the four brands within the Mercedes-Benz Group
in Canada: Mercedes-Benz, smart, AMG, and
Maybach. Headquartered in Toronto, Ontario,
Mercedes-Benz Canada Inc.
employs approximately 1,250 people in 19 locations across Canada. Through
a nationwide network of 14 Mercedes-Benz owned retail operations and 39
authorized dealerships,
Mercedes-Benz Canada sold 26,942 vehicles in 2009, the best year ever
reported for
Mercedes-Benz Canada
Inc.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE